Deb had 10 minutes. She walked up to the counter and ordered a Chicken Falafel sandwich — to go. Her car was parked in a 10 minute spot because the usual parking spots outside of Jerusalem Garden were occupied by large, orange construction barrels.
Since August 4, Fifth Street has been closed off between Liberty and Williams Street in order to continue construction on an underground parking lot designed by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority.
Two years ago, the DDA unveiled plans for an underground parking structure that will provide 600 additional downtown parking spots to the public and supply jobs in the local economy. Construction began in 2008 and remains unfinished.
The DDA claims that the project will be financially beneficial to the city of Ann Arbor and its residents.But for Jerusalem Garden, a Middle Eastern restaurant on Fifth Street, the project has done just the opposite: it has financially disadvantaged the business and has taken away parking from customers.
Business has decreased by as much as 20% during dinner and 5% during lunch. “The noise and the traffic create environmental stress,” said Ali Ramlawi, owner of the restaurant. “The patio has become useless because of the loud drilling.”
“It’s a bummer. I’ve been coming [to Jerusalem Garden] a little bit less and eating in my car,” said Deb Heed, a regular customer. Heed also noted that she hasn’t been leaving tips, because she hasn’t been able to eat inside and be served by a waiter.
Currently, the business remains profitable — though to a lesser degree — because loyal customers continue to dine at the restaurant. Some customers are uncertain if restaurants in the Fifth Street area are currently open. Customers also find it difficult to park near the restaurant, due to the fact that the street parking area has been blocked off. “People have been calling and asking if we’re still open,” said Ramwali.
The restaurant has experienced technical difficulties as a result of the construction. Deliveries have been slowed down, because drivers must take longer detours. The electricity in the building had been cut off temporarily, phones were interrupted, and garbage collection became an issue. Ramwali is concerned about staying open during the winter, when business typically drops slightly.
The DDA hopes to increase tourism by building the underground parking structure in the Fifth St location, near the heart of downtown. The project is set to be completed in August of 2011 with an expected profitability occurring after the debt has been paid off. “It would have to provide a lot of help in order to offset all the trouble it’s caused,” said Ramwali.
Heed believes that the parking structure will create benefits for Jerusalem Garden in the long run. “If they can make it through [the construction], I think they’ll see more business,” said Heed.
The restaurant is coping with the loss of business by cutting back and being more careful with costs. “We just have to grin and bear it…we’re relying on the reputation of the business to keep us in good shape,” said Ramwali.
The DDA was unavailable for a comment.
